You will soon be asked to choose the first General Secretary of our great union, UNITE.

Working passionately over the past three years to bring together two fantastic organisations; the T&G and Amicus, into one new ‘fighting back' trade union has been challenging at times; our histories, cultures and politics are built on traditions and a passion unrivalled in the trade union movement. It has also been enormously rewarding as we collectively build our new union, a union capable of delivering for hard working people and their families in the toughest of environments, across all sectors of the economy, internationally as well as here at home in Britain and Ireland.

I believe Unite must be;

a democratic union, with members in charge and authority pushed out to the industrial sectors, branches, workplaces and regions.
a fighting union, that stands up for Unite members at work and in the community whenever needed.
a tolerant and inclusive union, which welcomes diversity of opinions and in which fear plays no part.
a progressive union, campaigning for the interests of working people wherever decisions are made at home and around the world.
a united union, working for equality for all its members at work, in the community and in Unite itself.
a union working for YOU, with offices and employees focused on delivering for our members.
an organising union, reaching out to the millions that need trade union protection.

Building our new union will not be easy; we have vigorous opponents in Government and Business who fear a well organised, campaigning, fighting back and winning union like UNITE. We must have a clear and common purpose, uniting our sections and members with a vision for the future, we have a very proud past and our vision for the future must be rooted in that history.

I am standing in this election for General Secretary with such a vision, a vision I ask you to share with me as we build our great union, a union that will enhance lay member democracy, develop progressive politics, build worker solidarity and extend proud ‘fighting back' traditions. A tolerant union, proudly diverse and international in our outlook into a world dominated by global business whose only loyalty is to profit. We must be prepared to invest in our people through training and a broader union education programme and organise both the unorganised as well as those already within our ranks building a better life for working men and women, our families and communities.

I ask for your support in delivering our great union to its members. The position of General Secretary is the single most important post in our union. I will lead from the front and not shirk my responsibilities to you. Working with a team of colleagues and elected National Executive I believe that we collectively have the drive, energy and vision to place UNITE firmly at the forefront of the British and Irish trade union movement, extending our political and industrial influence in the interests of working people at home and abroad.

My manifesto outlines my vision for UNITE, my policies and the changes I believe we need to made in order to deliver for our members; industrially, politically and in our communities. I welcome your comments and assistance in my campaign as well as the opportunity to come and meet you and your colleagues during the coming period. I will be visiting hundreds of workplaces and talking to thousands of UNITE members so please register your request for a visit on my website UNITE4LEN.

Finally, I ask you to take nothing on trust alone. My record as a fighting back activist of 41 years; shop steward, local and national officer and now Assistant General Secretary of UNITE testify to my commitment and undying support for our membership and the struggles both past and future that we will engage in together.

Together we will build a great union, fashioned from the best of our pasts but ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

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Latest Update

With nominations now closed, all paperwork must be returned to the ERS by noon on the 6th September for your voice to count!

With the formal nominating period now closed branches we want to send a huge thank you to all branches and workplaces that have nominated Len as Unites first directly elected General Secretary.

Nominating branches now have until noon on the 6th September to ensure that their completed paperwork arrives at the election scrutineers (ERS).

Please ensure that all paperwork, including the Branch/Chapel/Workplace meeting notice, is returned to the ERS by 6th September.

Post to (Freepost);

Electoral Reform Services, Business Reply Plus, RLYR-LXHB-JKTC, London, N81 1ER

Hundreds of branches (and workplaces) have already shown their support for Len, across every region and sector of Unite, not only ensuring that Len was the first candidate to cross the important 'minimum nominations criteria', but demonstrating a clear support for Len's vision for Unite as a powerful, confident, fighting-back union, supporting its members both at work and in their communities.

With nominations closed the campaign will now shift to the vote which will see members receiving ballot papers from 25th October.

Please check your registered address with your branch secretary as ballot papers will be sent directly to your home.

More information on the vote itself will appear on this site shortly.

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Latest Update

With nominations now closed, all paperwork must be returned to the ERS by noon on the 6th September for your voice to count!

Please ensure that all paperwork, including the Branch/Chapel/Workplace meeting notice, is returned to the ERS by 6th September.

With nominations closed the campaign will now shift to the vote which will see members receiving ballot papers from 25th October.

Book a workplace visit

I want to help

Get Involved

News & Events

Len's support comes in from every sector and region of Unite

Aviation workers are backing Len - BAA, Servisair, Aviance, Thomson, Easyjet .... all come flying in

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